How to Grow Sweet Potatoes that have Sprouted

If you have ever left a sweet potato for too long, you may have noticed that it started to sprout. While many people would throw away such a potato, you can actually use it to grow your very own sweet potato plant. Growing sweet potatoes from sprouts is a fun and easy way to get a bountiful harvest of these delicious tubers. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you need to take to grow sweet potatoes from sprouted tubers.

Choosing the Right Sprouts

When you decide to grow sweet potatoes from sprouts, the first step is to choose the right ones. You want to look for sweet potatoes with thick and healthy sprouts emerging from their eyes. The sprouts should be at least a few inches long and should have a pale green color. Avoid sweet potatoes with thin and weak sprouts, as they may not grow into full-fledged plants.

Planting the Sprouts

Once you have selected the sweet potatoes, it's time to plant them. You can plant sweet potatoes in the garden or in pots, but they prefer warm soil and plenty of sunshine. Choose a spot with well-draining soil that gets full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

To plant the sweet potato sprouts, prepare the soil by tilling it and mixing in compost or organic fertilizer. Then, dig a hole about 4-6 inches deep and place the sweet potato sprout in the hole, with the sprout facing up. Cover the hole with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering and Fertilizing

Sweet potatoes need plenty of water to grow, but they don't like to sit in soggy soil. Water your sweet potato plant deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. If the leaves start to wilt during hot weather, give your plant a good soaking.

In terms of fertilizer, sweet potatoes do best with a balanced organic fertilizer that's high in nitrogen. You can apply the fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season, but be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage and small tubers.

Harvesting the Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest around 100-120 days after planting. You will know they're ready when the leaves start to yellow and die back, and the vines turn brown and withered. To harvest, carefully dig up the sweet potatoes, being careful not to damage the tubers with your shovel.

Once you have harvested your sweet potatoes, let them dry in the sun for a few days, then brush off any dirt and store them in a cool, dark place. With a little bit of care, you can grow a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes that you can enjoy all year round.

Conclusion

Growing sweet potatoes from sprouts is a rewarding and easy way to get a fresh harvest of these tasty tubers. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully plant, grow, and harvest your own sweet potatoes with ease. Remember to choose the right sprouts, plant them in the right location, and provide them with plenty of water and nutrients. With a little bit of patience and care, you can enjoy delicious homegrown sweet potatoes that will rival any store-bought variety.